Qatar to host AFC Asian Cup 2023, India shortlisted for next edition

Published at :October 17, 2022 at 9:45 PM

Modified at :October 17, 2022 at 9:47 PM

The tournament was initially scheduled to be held in China, who withdrew in May.

Reigning champions Qatar are set to host the 18th edition of the AFC Asian Cup 2023 after China pulled out as hosts due to the rise in COVID-19 cases. The tournament is set to feature 24 teams set to be held from June 16 to July 16, 2023. Qatar will be hosting the FIFA World Cup later this year and the same infrastructure can be made use of at the Asian Cup after six months.

AFC President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa lauded the Qatar Federation. “Given the short lead time in preparation, we know that the hard work begins immediately but with their existing world-class infrastructure and unrivalled hosting capabilities, we are confident that Qatar will stage a worthy spectacle befitting the prestige and stature of Asia’s crown jewel.”

He said: “On behalf of the AFC and the Asian football family, I want to congratulate the Qatar Football Association on being awarded the hosting rights of the upcoming edition of the AFC Asian Cup.

“We must also thank the Football Association of Indonesia and the Korea Football Association for outlining their intentions to stage the tournament.

“Qatar’s capabilities and track record in hosting major international sporting events and their meticulous attention to detail are well admired throughout the globe.

“I must also commend the AFC for showcasing utmost professionalism in conducting a fair and transparent expedited bidding process and I thank all our commercial partners and sponsors for their patience during these unprecedented times.

Qatar are the reigning AFC Asian Cup champions and will be hosting the Continent’s most prestigious men’s tournament for the third time after staging the 1988 and 2011 editions.

India shortlisted for 2027 edition

The AFC Executive Committee also deliberated upon the bidding proposals for the AFC Asian Cup 2027 and shortlisted AIFF (All India Football Federation) and SAFF (Saudi Arabian Football Federation) among all the entries and the final decision will be taken by the AFC Congress at its next meeting in February 2023.

Apart from India and Saudi Arabia, the Uzbekistan Football Association and the Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran were the bidders but both countries withdrew leaving India and Saudi Arabia to contest.

The decision brings to a close the bid proposal of the QFA who were considered to have withdrawn from the 2027 race following their successful 2023 bid in accordance with the applicable bidding regulations.

Football Australia withdrew from the AFC Asian Cup 2023 bidding process on September 1, 2022, while the Uzbekistan Football Association and the Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran officially withdrew their bids to host the AFC Asian Cup 2027 on December 14, 2020, and October 13, 2022, respectively.

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The AFC President added: “Again, we thank our three Member Associations – the All India Football Federation, the Qatar Football Association and the Saudi Arabian Football Federation - for submitting strong bids to host the AFC Asian Cup 2027.

“We must also acknowledge the Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran and the Uzbekistan Football Association for signaling their intent to host the 2027 edition and Football Australia for indicating their interest for the 2023 tournament.

“Across our competitions, we are seeing our digital engagement and TV viewership grow in record numbers and it is our responsibility to ensure that each tournament surpasses the achievements of the previous edition.

“In the All India Football Federation and the Saudi Arabian Football Federation, we have two exemplary bids, and I am confident that the Qatar Football Association will strengthen the foundations for the eventual 2027 hosts to build upon.”

The Asian Cup was expanded from 16 team format to 24 teams in 2015 giving good opportunities to lower ranked countries to participate. India after not qualifying for the 2015 edition came back strongly to play in the 2019 edition with the help of a change in format. This also helps AFC to engage with fans across many countries increasing viewerships.

India qualified for the 2023 Asia Cup after playing the qualifying rounds. India in the 2019 edition finished last in the group stages winning the only encounter against Thailand (4-1).